Our History

Emmi Eisner started Play It Forward when she was 12 years old because she saw a need that was not being filled.  After visiting a local elementary school in Pacoima, California, she was shocked to learn that many students don’t have access to sports equipment during PE, recess, and lunch. To supplement this, Emmi collected new and gently used sporting equipment from her friends, family, schoolmates and teammates. She delivered a whole truckload of equipment to the school and didn’t expect what she had done would be a big deal. However, when she arrived at the school, the entire student body was chanting her name and “Play It Forward.”  Kids were running up to Emmi, hugging her, crying and thanking her for what she had done. The joy and excitement on those kids’ faces was infectious from what seemed like a very simple action, giving them balls to play with.

Seeing the impact of Play It Forward, Emmi officially established a 501(c)(3) in early 2013, which has allowed for the depth of the organization to grow far exceeding even Emmi’s original intention. Today, schools apply for a grant of Play It Forward equipment. For selected schools, Play It Forward works hands on with the school to meet their specific equipment needs and allow them to carry out an effective physical education program. For that reason, donations and corporate sponsorships have proven to be the best way to support the organization because they allow Play It Forward the freedom to fulfill the wish lists of the schools they support.

 More than seven years after holding our first equipment drive, Play It Forward has now raised roughly $275,000, donated sports equipment to more than 110 schools, and served over 80,000 children.